This verse reminds believers of God’s unwavering presence and the secure foundation He provides.
“His foundation is in the holy mountains” (v.1). These words highlight God’s special claim over the city of Jerusalem, metaphorically set upon sacred hills. The phrase “holy mountains” refers to the elevated region around Jerusalem in the land of Judah. Jerusalem is situated on several hills—often poetically described as mountains—within the southern part of ancient Israel. This elevated terrain offered natural fortification but also became a central symbol of the Lord’s presence and care. Through these words, the psalmist underscores that God Himself established the city’s firm footing, making it a unique dwelling of His favor and blessing. Readers in ancient times recognized that these mountains were not hallowed merely by their height or natural features, but most importantly because the Lord chose to set His divine name there (Psalm 132:13).
“His foundation is in the holy mountains” (v.1) also conveys a spiritual truth pointing toward the abiding place of God among His people. Although the verse names no human individuals, it evokes the legacy of King David who made Jerusalem the political and religious center of the united monarchy around 1000 BC to 970 BC. Centuries later, the city’s spiritual significance culminated in the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, who ministered and was ultimately crucified just outside these sacred heights (Luke 23:33). Thus, the foundation that God established on these hills foreshadows the everlasting works of salvation that would be carried out for all nations, a promise continued in the New Testament through the church, built upon Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).
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Psalms 87:1 meaning
“His foundation is in the holy mountains” (v.1). These words highlight God’s special claim over the city of Jerusalem, metaphorically set upon sacred hills. The phrase “holy mountains” refers to the elevated region around Jerusalem in the land of Judah. Jerusalem is situated on several hills—often poetically described as mountains—within the southern part of ancient Israel. This elevated terrain offered natural fortification but also became a central symbol of the Lord’s presence and care. Through these words, the psalmist underscores that God Himself established the city’s firm footing, making it a unique dwelling of His favor and blessing. Readers in ancient times recognized that these mountains were not hallowed merely by their height or natural features, but most importantly because the Lord chose to set His divine name there (Psalm 132:13).
“His foundation is in the holy mountains” (v.1) also conveys a spiritual truth pointing toward the abiding place of God among His people. Although the verse names no human individuals, it evokes the legacy of King David who made Jerusalem the political and religious center of the united monarchy around 1000 BC to 970 BC. Centuries later, the city’s spiritual significance culminated in the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, who ministered and was ultimately crucified just outside these sacred heights (Luke 23:33). Thus, the foundation that God established on these hills foreshadows the everlasting works of salvation that would be carried out for all nations, a promise continued in the New Testament through the church, built upon Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).